Rise and Shine…

Though I rise fairly early on weekdays, I have never considered myself to be a “morning person”. You know the type – those that jump out of bed with vigour at the sound of their alarm? Much to my dismay, I do not wake up like Cinderella, in pristine condition, with light streaming in my window and birds singing sweet melodies in my ear. In fact, somedays it is quite the opposite. I groan as my alarm rings, praying that it is just a bad dream. I then drag myself out of bed looking like I have just endured a hurricane.

While I haven’t always loved mornings, I have come to appreciate the quiet beauty that comes with this time of day. If you are fortunate to enjoy the luxury of quiet mornings (I do not have little ones yet), you may come to find the stillness is refreshing. It gives one a chance to collect their thoughts and prepare for a new day.

How one spends these first few hours is important, as they can profoundly influence all the hours that follow. As we gear up for another Monday (the hardest morning of all), I offer a few ways to help start your day off on the right foot:

Begin The Night Before

A good morning often hinges on a restful sleep. If you find yourself exhausted by 3:00 p.m. everyday, chances are you may need more rest. A sound sleep begins with creating a routine that tells your body it is time to power down. I suggest turning off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep. I know, this can be difficult in the ever-connected world we live in, but that blue light can play games with our natural body clock.

Then, take a few moments to prepare anything you can for the next day (i.e. choose your outfit, pack your lunch, clean out your purse). This will give you a little extra time in the morning, as you won’t have to race around looking for your car keys or trying to find that rogue shoe.

Finally, luxuriate in whatever gives you pleasure and calms your mind. Take a bath if that soothes you, or read a few pages of that new book. Having a consistent evening routine can do wonders for your sleep, which will help to prepare you for that inevitable alarm.

Stretch the Body and Mind

Taking a few minutes to stretch both your body and mind is a wonderful way to begin the day. Whether you choose to go through a few yoga poses, like these, or perform some simple stretches, like these, your body will thank you.

The first moments of your day are also the perfect time to stretch your mind. Yes, just as your body benefits from stretching after slumber, so too does your brain. Whether you prefer to meditate, or you find serenity in running through a few positive affirmations, preparing your mind in this way puts you on the right track.

Hydrate

While drinking enough water can be difficult for many (myself included), having a glass first thing in the morning is vital to your day. After eight hours of sleep, the body becomes dehydrated, which is why so often, you awake feeling parched. Rehydrating not only replenishes necessary fluids, but it has also been linked to jumpstarting your metabolism and digestive system.

To make those first sips even more enjoyable, try infusing your water. Anything from berries to lemons, cucumbers to mint, can make that first drink even more refreshing. Need a little inspiration? Check out Amy Pogue’s blog, Infused Waters, for great recipes.

Get Inspired

Some days, I start my morning by catching up on the latest local or international news; however, at times, the news can be somewhat depressing. As we know, it is often the worst stories that make it to the news feed, not the most inspiring. Most days, I prefer something more uplifting, or at least, thought-provoking first thing.

At times, I prefer to gain my inspiration from music. Typically, I listen to jazz in the morning; however, it really depends on what genre of music speaks to you. Anything to put you in a positive mood. I’m currently loving Stacey Kent’s new album entitled, Tenderly.

Review the ‘To Do’ List

Reminding yourself of what you want/need to accomplish is the best way to ensure a successful day. Life can get busy and days can start to run together. Too often, without a list, we forget that essential ingredient needed for dinner, or to mail that special friend’s birthday card.

Perhaps, you prefer to makes lists on your smartphone or computer. Many phones now have a notes app, or you can easily search the app store to find countless productivity and tracking programs for a nominal fee. Maybe you are more of a paper person, like me. Whether you like Post-It Notes on your door, or you have an unhealthy addiction to prefer to keep your life organized with a paper planner, there are endless options. Currently, I’m using the Bella Leather Binder in the colour blush, by Franklin Covey, with lovely planner inserts by The Simply Luxurious Life.

Find a list system that works for you and then take five minutes before you head out the door to review your goals for the day. Checking even the smallest item off your list can give you a profound sense of accomplishment, and you can carry that positive feeling throughout your day.

While you may not have the time to make each of these suggestions part of every morning, I encourage you to add at least one. Or, reflect on your current routine and add items to it that fit your life and create the foundation for a better day. Anything that will help you walk out that door in a good state of mind, ready to take on the adventures that await.